David Sklansky

David Bruce Sklansky (December 22, 1947 – March 23, 2026) was an American professional poker player and author. An early writer on poker strategy, he was known for his mathematical approach to the game. His key work The Theory of Poker presents fundamental principles on which much later analysis is based.

Early life and education Sklansky was born on December 22, 1947, in Teaneck, New Jersey, where he was also raised. Sklansky attended the University of Pennsylvania, but dropped out before graduation. He returned to Teaneck and passed multiple Society of Actuaries exams by the age of 20, and worked for an actuarial firm.

Poker career Sklansky wrote and contributed to fourteen books on poker, blackjack and gambling in general. He has won three World Series of Poker bracelets, two in 1982 ($800 Mixed Doubles with Dani Kelly, and $1,000 Draw Hi) and one in 1983 ($1,000 Limit Omaha Hi). He also won the Poker By The Book invitational event on the 2004 World Poker Tour, outlasting a table which included Phil Hellmuth, Mike Caro, T. J. Cloutier, and Mike Sexton, and then finally overcoming Doyle Brunson.

As of 2015, his live tournament winnings exceeded $1,350,000.

World Series of Poker bracelets YearTournamentPrize (US$)1982$1,000 Draw High$15,5001982$800 Mixed Doubles (with Dani Kelly)$8,8001983$1,000 Limit Omaha$25,500

Death Sklansky died in Las Vegas from heart failure on March 23, 2026, at the age of 78.

Publications Sklansky authored or co-authored 14 books on gambling theory and poker. Most of his books are published by Two Plus Two Publishing. His book cover art often features hand guns. His 1976 book Hold'em Poker was the first book widely available on the subject of hold'em poker. It is through these books that he popularized the concept of Sklansky Bucks (now often referred to as luck-adjusted winnings), which are used by professional poker players to this day.

The Theory of Poker